I prefer using the burn/dodge tools They give me a little more control over everything.

Burn/dodge tool is pretty horrible for lighting..
just letting you know that.

You won't ever get a natural effect with these.
These tools tend to leave a flat look,
and are much better suited for shading.

Light stocks with a high level of guassian blur,
layer set to screen, or Linear dodge, tool around with opacity.
or soft brush layers. Bush set to color dodge, layer set to overlay,
Use a light color that harmonizes with the tag colors, or just go with white.

lighting fillter is the best way to make lighting, then use brushing and dodge burn tools to enhance that light. also adjustment layers can help HEAPS. try only using bright c4ds to reflect your lighting also